Rogers Launches $50 Million Initiative to Help Youth Manage Screen Time
rogers Communications is committing $50 million to a new five-year initiative designed to assist young people in managing their smartphone usage. This decision comes after a recent study conducted by Rogers in collaboration with Angus Reid, wich revealed that Canadian youth aged 11-17 are spending an average of 5.2 hours daily on their devices. This figure far exceeds the two-hour daily limit recommended by the Canadian Paediatric Society (CPS). The CPS warns that excessive screen time can negatively affect both the physical and mental well-being of children, and also impede their cognitive growth.
A Multi-Faceted Approach: The “Screen Break” Program
To address this pressing issue, Rogers has introduced a program called “Screen Break,” which consists of four main components aimed at promoting healthier screen habits among youth.
Pillar One: Tools for Parents
The first component focuses on providing parents with tools to help manage their children's device use. Through the MyRogers and Rogers Xfinity apps,parents will have options to set limits on mobile data and overall device usage. Additionally, Rogers has launched a dedicated Screen Break website. This platform offers resources for parents looking to monitor and reduce their kids' screen time effectively.
pillar Two: Engaging Youth Programming
The second pillar emphasizes engaging programming for youth within schools across Canada. This initiative will include discussions featuring professional athletes who share insights about balancing technology use with active living. Events like “Unplug and Play” clinics will also be organized where athletes encourage kids to participate in physical activities. Furthermore, Rogers plans to provide grants to up to four youth organizations focused on promoting active lifestyles, starting with support for the YMCA.
Pillar Three: Research Initiatives and Collaborations
The third aspect centers around research efforts and partnerships aimed at understanding youth screen time better. Each year, Rogers will commission studies that delve into how much time young people spend on screens and its effects on them. They are also collaborating with Dais from Toronto Metropolitan University—a think tank specializing in public policy—to foster healthy digital habits within educational settings.
Pillar Four: Advocacy through Athlete Partnerships
The final pillar involves working alongside athletes for education and advocacy purposes via social media campaigns and advertising efforts. Notable partnerships include collaborations with stars such as George Springer from the Toronto Blue Jays, Connor McDavid from the edmonton Oilers, John Tavares of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Marie-philip Poulin representing Montreal Victoire’s team, along with Sarah Nurse from Vancouver Goldeneyes.
A Step Towards Healthier Digital Habits
This extensive approach aims not only at reducing excessive phone use but also at fostering healthier lifestyles among Canadian youths through various engaging methods—be it parental guidance or direct involvement from sports figures they admire.
This initiative reflects an critically important step towards addressing concerns about digital consumption among younger generations while encouraging them toward more balanced lives filled with physical activity rather than just screen engagement.
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